Gobble, gobble, or maybe not

By maki

Created 2007-02-07 18:37

The BBC News web site’s Magazine section has an article today about the history of how turkey became fast food[1]. While it’s about turkey production in the UK, it’s probably applicable to any nation that has large scale consumption, and production, of turkey meat.

The article says that while turkey used to be a seasonal treat, nowadays it’s put into everything from sausages to dog food. Turkey has been the darling of any kind of diet for decades now since the breast meat is very low fat. But as with any food that becomes very popular, brute force industrialized production methods set in. And because turkey meat bred this way has very little flavor to start with, it has to be doctored up with all kinds of seasonings and additives.

Here in Switzerland, turkey meat doesn’t have any tradition, but it’s being pushed in recent years as a substitute for the ever popular veal. I don’t buy that substitution at all. I’ve never been a fan of turkey meat - to me it’s flavorless, rather tough, easy to overcook, and just boring. I’d much rather go with chicken meat, which (if it comes from more or less happily bred chickens) has some flavor and is much more tender. And I’ll think twice about reaching for the turkey ham or sausage next time I think.